A Little About Vicky

Life with a child is never dull, life with five children is constant fun! I invite you to join me in my crazy journey of transplanting my brood from frigid upstate New York to “tropical” Myrtle Beach.

My name is Victoria, and my children and I have always been drawn to the ocean, but when my best friend, Randi, suggested we move south, I balked. My roots are here in New York, everything I’m familiar with is here. I love the Saratoga racing season in the summer, the culture, SPAC, the history of the Capital Region. In the fall, cruising up and down the Hudson, soaking in the crisp sensations of autumn, apple-picking and cider, kids swaddled in thick colorful sweaters as they gulp down hot cocoa.

Ugh…and then there’s winter. Aside from Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s, winter sucks. Clearly our family is not too much into winter sports, so we tend to go into hibernation-mode. What a BORING way to live about five months out of the year. I need a change. Which loosely translates into “we need a change”.

So, please click the Like button to the right and/or the Follow button at the top to join us as we embark on this incredible voyage of letting go and embracing, saying good-byes and saying hellos, and just living life to the fullest! And for even more fun, join us at http://www.VickytheNorthernChicky.com!

Thanks for liking my new post, Vicky! Myrtle Beach isn’t a bad place to relocate. We’re vacationing there this Spring. Can imagine life with 5 children is frantic; have three of my own and am forever on the go!

Thanks for stopping by…I crave having more kids, but unfortunately am scared at how my wits would hold up (my mom didn’t do so well with 5), but I definitely applaud you for taking on the task and will be back to visit frequently.

I live in MN and I echo your sentiments about living in hibernation. I hate it. I have been begging my husband for years to move. I hate winter even though I grew up here. It just sucks. Recently, I found I had a Vit D deficiency. Where do you think that came from? Crappy MN and its NO SUN. So I envy you. Wish we could move, but right now its not an option so I make the best of it. We are having a warmer season here than most years, but I still hate it.

Thank you for following along with Woman In Thrisis! I am always so excited to receive a new follower. Your blog looks interesting and congrats on your life-changing decision! I too have recently relocated south… through not as far as you. But still the transitiont can be daunting, exciting, wonderful and challenging. I wish you luck and I look forward to following you and your family along on your journey!

Hi Vicky, thanks for visiting and following my blog, I really appreciate it. Iy hasn’t been up and running for long so any followers are gratefully received. I certainly admire you for upping sticks and moving all that way with your children and I wish you all the best with it x

Hi Victoriablt, thanks for the sign up for the blog. Yours sounds like a huge adventures. Oh, so many girls you have. I have two step-sons and two little boys so I have a house of five males at times. Oh how I long for some girlie chats and dress ups! Look forward to keeping up with your ride. Cheers, Ros aka paleink

Thanks for liking “Parenting and Everclear.” I’ve enjoyed reading about your adventures and take courage from the fact that you’re blogging regularly with five children. The twins (almost a year old now) keep me hopping but yours must keep you running!

Hi Vicky. Thanks for stopping by and following my blog. I congratulate you for making such a move with your family – I’d love to be able to do that. I know what you mean about winter – I love the beach and winter doesn’t seem so bad there. Sounds like a great adventure. 🙂

Thanks for the ‘like’ on my post about ‘chaos’! I’m sure you have experienced that and much more in your life with 5 kids! Congrats on the big move. I hope it goes well. I am slightly envious … we have roots in eastern Canada and I cry every time I have to leave the ocean to come home (central Canada). Maybe someday I’ll find myself beside an ocean…

Hi Vicky, thanks for folowing my blog. i see that you are active mom same as I am. And it is great that through blogs does not matter from where we are, much more important is that we share similar stories of our life.

17 years ago, my husband and I moved from rural Texas to Los Angeles with 3 kids. Not 5, but an adventure of the same ilk. Enjoyed reading your latest post and thanks for coming and visiting over at 20 Minutes a Day.

Thanks for stopping by over at lotzoflove! We moved five kids from Missouri to Port-au-Prince. Definitely, we love the island life and have no regrets about losing our winters! I look forward to keeping up with your adventures.

Thanks for visiting and “liking” my blog! It’s always exciting to get a response from someone other than family and friends. The best of luck with settling into life in your new locale! I’ll be interested in reading all about it!

A woman who feels my pain! LOL. Thanks for liking my “Moving…again” post. I now understand why you did. I’m going to follow you, too, and maybe we can learn from each other. Funny…I’m going where its colder (being dragged, kicking and screaming, but going, nonetheless). I’ll send you some cider if you send me some sand!

Hi Victoria, thanks for liking my post, having moved and lived in 4 countries and many many states over the years I wish I had written up some of my experiences earlier. Enjoyed your posts and glad you liked mine.

my apologies for not getting here sooner – but wanted to say thanks for liking and following my blog (theinvestigatingparent). I know it’s difficult for me to find the time for blogging and things with just the 2 kids, so I couldn’t imagine 5! It was nice to have a chance to visit your life a little!

I am SOOO grateful for the 80 degree weather we’ve been having in Wisconsin! But still, I’m with you, the Winters are absolutely awful and I was NOT cut out for them. But alas, I can’t leave my mommy, lol.

First, welcome to South Carolina. I’m a New England boy myself. Born in Groton CT with family on Cape Cod.
The summers down here can get really humid and snow in the winter only seems to happen every 10-years or so. The last time snow fell here in Charleston was 2-years ago. The spring and fall are the best. You can actually go a month or two without turning on the AC or heater.
Oh, also thanks for following my blog. Jaydon say, “Hi.”

Hi Vicky
Thanks for liking my post and following my blog! I haven’t got round to adding a blogroll to my blog yet but will add you as soon as I do, and look forward to hearing more about your adventures!

Okay, I know this sounds crazy, but have you seen Kenny Powers from HBO’s Eastbound & Down wandering about Myrtle beach? Wife’s grandparents had a place in North Myrtle. Remember to go to Painter’s Ice Cream Shop.

Thanks for stopping by my blog Vicky – I can relate to a major move after moving from WA state to sunny Florida last year – the sunshine and warmer weather definitely does not suck – but I can’t imagine dealing with it with 5 kids – my hat is off to you lady >8)

I love that you found my blog! It is so fun to discover people living in the chaos and finding the fun in raising a “now larger” family. I call it “now larger” because it used to be small to have only four children. Have fun in the sun! I was a nanny long ago in New Rochelle NY – you’ve made quite the change!
Nicole

I’m impressed with how many people you have met just by stopping by their blogs. Same way you are meeting me. 🙂 My hubby is from upstate NY too. He is from the Booneville area. He had an uncle who was a sulky driver & trainer in Saratoga. It is a small world. Now my husband is in TX with me. We moved here from Florida 1 year ago. We had lived here before but had been in Florida for 10 years. Lucky for us the kids are all grown. I admire you being able to move with 5 kids. I had a hard time just raising the 6 I was responsible for. Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Thank you for stopping my my blog! I’m new this old blogging thing, so I really appreciate it! I look forward to reading about your adventures! We have 4 children, one with autism. There are days 4 feels like, well, 4, and there are days 4 feels like 16….but I wouldn’t have it any other way 🙂 They’re truly a gift!

Thanks for liking my post Vicky! I recently joined the world of blogging! I can relate to embracing new beginnings and life changing decisions! I am always inspired by the courageous who are willing to embark in that journey! Look forward to hearing more!

Hi Vicky,
I’m thankful that you read my blog mostly because it led me to yours! I really enjoy your sense of humor and admire your mothering skills! I have three children, would love to have more, but not sure I have the energy that it takes. 🙂 Hope you’re enjoying life in MB. I have family who live there and absolutely love it!

Hi! Thanks for liking my post Happy Easter! at http://wp.me/p1zE2U-qZ – your blog looks great. What an adventure! All I can say at this stage is wow lady – five kids makes you five times braver than me! 😀 Happy Easter to you all from London!

Five kids, an active blog, a huge move, and time to read all these other blogs? You’re my new hero! Thanks for liking SingleMatters and following along! Best of everything to you on your journey. Diane

Thank you for visiting my blog. I started looking around yours and can certainly relate to some, if not all, of what you’re going through. Moving is tough. Moving with kids is crazy. But that’s the great thing about kids. Life maybe crazy but never dull.

Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog! We lived in S.C. for 2 years and I am Canadian! It was awesome, you will love it! I was happy that we did have the change of seasons so the leaves changed etc. Summer was hot but winter was great. Currently I am back in Canada but we will be moving to Kansas this summer – another adventure for us too. ♥ Kids are pretty resiliant and make friends easily I have found and it is easy to meet people through your kids!

Thanks for following my blog! What a huge move for you all! My parents moved us from Cleveland to Kentucky, not as far as NY to NC but probably comparable as far as culture shock. 🙂 My dad used to say you almost need a passport to go south of the ohio river. I look forward to reading about your adventures!

Thanks for subscribing to my blog…and liking my post…the best part is that I discovered your blog as well. Moving away from your “home” is always hard but sometimes so worthwhile. Meeting new friends and change is good. I look forward to your posts. Check out “MommasGoneCity”…she transplanted to NYC from the Bay Area and discusses her adjustments with three kids. You might enjoy reading her posts.

Thanks for visiting Drawing Pins and for your support. It sounds like you have a great adventure ahead of you. Like everyone else, I’m in awe that you can blog while having five kids in tow. What a tropper. Looking forward to checking in on your awesome adventure.

Thanks for visiting me, now I’m visiting you. Looks like the thing we have in common is embarking on an adventure and blogging about it. One thing about publishing it to a blog–there’s no turning back. Good Luck.

Hi Vicky! Thanks for following Pack Talk! Believe it or not, I’m an Upstate NY gal myself–so we already have lots in common. No surprise that someone talked you into moving south to the Carolinas…seems that everyone I knew wanted to either go there or to Florida. No one appreciates Upstate winters with all its lake effect. Can’t wait to see what you write next! 🙂

I saw myself when you describe the amazing and fun journey you’re making by moving close to the ocean where life is more laid back, with laughter and lots of sunshine. Your children will have a great time I bet. Wishing you all the best!

Hi Vicky,
Thanks so much for liking my Watercolors to the Arctic blog! I’m so new at this that I’m still surprised to see people I don’t know on my list. I hope your voyage South is as fun as mine will be going North!

Hi Vicki, I saw you had stopped by my blog, so I ventured over to see what’s up in your world… what a hoot! Five girls, home schooling, You really are a super mum. I am looking forward to following your adventure and seeing where you end up. 🙂

Hi Vicky. Thank you for your interest in my Glowing Green Smoothie recipe. I hope you and your kids find it as delicious as my 20 month old toddler does, he’s actually gulping my smoothie down as I type this : )

I just want to say that I admire you for your positive attitude and for embracing change. Moving is never easy, but moving with 5 kids (WOW!). Your children are very lucky that they an adventurous mom with such a willing attitude. God bless you and your family.

Hi Vicky! Thanks for stopping by my blog. We moved from Las Vegas to Vermont and after two years said “yeah, thanks but no thanks.” We moved back last summer and I couldn’t be happier. Have a great day!

Vicky,
Thanks for the like on my Saturday at the Cape post…and also for the follow. One of your recent readers mentioned meeting new people this way and she’s right…it’s the best!
I take it from reading the responses that you ARE actually moving south to Myrtle Beach and not just East to the Cape? As a native Vermonter and in my heart and soul northerner…it was hard for me to live in the south, which we did for more than 20 years. Getting back to New England was my dream and now, 8 years later, I’m still happy I’m back. That said…the draw of the southern ocean is magnetic. While I never lived in SC…I did spent many years in NC and the Outer Banks is one of my favorite places, as well as Hilton Head, SC. I wish you the very best with the move, hope you enjoy the ‘lack’ of winter worries, and hope you come back to visit the north when you can. Congrats on the 5 girls…you are blessed to be sure! Look forward to reading of your adventures…stay warm and stay friends.
Rhonda

Vicky, I like your blog and you’re a clear, concise writer.
I think you’re brave to be embarking on a new life toward a warmer climate, just be prepared for feeling the loss of what you leave behind. Don’t burn your bridges – nothing is set in cement, you can decide in a year or five to reverse your move and go back to the apple-picking. I love the area in which you live – we go to Quechee, Vermont with my paintings, and often go to Rutland on the cusp of New York.

Life is filled with chances and opportunities – you’re ready – give it a try, and best wishes :>)

Good Morning,
Thank you for following Parenting in the Loop.
We have a new website, if you want to continue to follow you will have to subscribe again on the new page at http://www.parentingintheloop.com
Thank you… I look forward to your comments.
Lorette Lavine

Hey Vicky, thanks for following my blog! A rising tide raises all ships, after all. Keep us filled in on how things go. My wife and I don’t have kids yet, but I am sure your experience will teach me some great lessons along the way 🙂

Thanks for liking my post the other day. Moving my little one from home to the supermarket a mile down the road is trouble enough never mind your journey! Visited Myrtle Beach, loved it. But I think I only say golf courses and the insides of bars 🙂

Hey there! Thanks for the like and the follow. My dad hails from NC and DC area. I, however, am almost entirely West Coast (Ca, Or). So cool to connect with those from all over. God bless and happy writing.

Hey there just wanted to let you know I nominated you for Versatile blogger, I know you have already received it once but no one can have too many awards and I didn’t want to ignore the enjoyment I get from your blog just because you already have an award. Love the blog and I’m honored to share it with my fellow readers. Here’s the link http://wp.me/p2n3MW-3m

Hi Vicky,,,thanks for following my blog,,,I really like your Blog Appearance theme! I plan to spend my evening catching up on your blog and following you during your great adventures to your new home with your girls 🙂

Thanks for following my blog! Yours looks like lots of fun! 🙂 I hibernate for winter as well (there’s more like 6-7 months of winter here so I’m hibernated for the most of the year), and would love to move somewhere where summer is the only season.

Well I like the sounds of the way of life – even with five months in the cold. Horse-racing, NYC, autumn/fall, those colourful sweaters and hot chocolate or cocoa – yeah. I can pass on deep winter, having had a few of those here in Ireland, and having been stuck in a blizzard on a motorway winter before last. Since then, believe it or not, a device has been invented for females stuck on the motorway who need to wee (badly)! It’s called the She-Wee. Excuse this wandering reply. I enjoyed your post. It’s very vivid.

Hi Vicky, Thanks for your interest in following our journey as we move from Virginia to Hong Kong, and all the fun adventures that that holds. I wish you the best as you and your family adjust to life in SC (oddly enough, we’ll actually be in the Myrtle Beach/ Conway area later this week to bid farewell to family before we leave).

Hi Vicky! Thanks for stopping by my blog. I love the design of your website and your sense of humore, and wish you best of luck as you journey south! (I’m the 2nd oldest of 5 kids so I always admire brave moms! :))

Hi Vicky, I never thanked you for being one of the first people to follow my blog. For some reason I couldn’t find your blog address from your gravatar…my brain must have been on low batteries that week!! Anyway, am glad I’ve found you now. Love your blog. I was told when I had my first baby last year that I’d have no time to blog ever…so am inspired to see you writing away with five lovely kids in your life. 🙂

Hi Vicky,
Thanks for stopping by to check out my blog! It gave me the opportunity to check yours out a bit. Five kids? Moving? Change? It all sounds great to me! (I just had my first baby 7 months ago and so love the adventure…we want more!) Looking forward to reading more about your adventures!
Best,
Nathalie
guayagourmet.com

I’ve nominated you for the “One Lovely Blog” Award! Check out my page for details – http://whereswiwi.com/2012/06/20/blogosphere-i-have-arrived/ I appreciate this award takes time and work so apologies if you have received something like it before, but I hope you take some pride in the fact that someone appreciates your work! Have a great day.

Thanks Victoria for following Collateral Lettuce, my food blog! If you have any suggestions for topics, or would like to tell me about something you know that’s popular upstate but not so much by NYC, I may need to make a pit stop!

Actually, since you mention the capital region, I’ve read that there’s a decent Indonesian restaurant somewhere near Albany. Do you know about it?

Hello Victoria, lovely to meet you in Blogland. I had a wry chuckle reading some of your posts – all the things the books don’t tell you about having children – we’ve just reached teenage territory and I can tell you it has its moments – best wishes from the other side of the Atlantic.

Hi Vicky, I am in the exact same boat as yours living in Toronto and I can totally relate. Glad that you found my blog and that I found yours. Looking forward to reading your posts in the next few days.

Hey Vicky! Thanks for liking my post. Good luck to you in your move! I lived in the Myrtle Beach for 5 years, and loved it! If you need any contacts or information about anything, don’t hesitate to ask!

Yeah, I’ll be a follower … this is definitely an adventure I want to check in on … five kiddos, a north-to-south transition, good writing … and you have quite a following! As they New Zealanders (Kiwis) say “Good On Ya, Mate! Keep the joy and the writing flowing.

Fabulous! As a former South Jersey girl who transplanted to Southern California in ’07, I get you! I go back to visit the neighborhood about once a year…
And thank you for following my bloggy-space! Hope to see you pop in from time to time 🙂

I gotta say I have to agree with you in regards to living in the winter. Here in Norway we also have a very cold winter about 5 months of the year. Hibernation mode it is. Not too fond of winter sports and activities, so life just goes on (without much going on) for five months… Seems like a waste really!

Moving from familiar surroundings to a new location is always a bit tricky. It is like walking into a room where a party is going in full swing and then finding out that the place is jam-packed with guys and girls, all having two left feet:) I avoid moving if I can help it. I can therefore understand your trepedition, vicki! And with 5 kids..well…Anyway, Good luck!

Haven’t spent much time in upstate New York, but I did visit Myrtle Beach once a few years ago on a break during college. (I went to college in Tennessee.) How long ago did you move? And five kids? You are BRAVE! 🙂

Hi Vicky, Thank you for signing up for my blog at http://www.midihideaways.wordpress.com – glad you are enjoying what you read!! Moving is a great adventure – and I’m sure it’s a great thing to do for all of you!

Thanks for popping by my blog, Celia in Tokyo. ✰
Although I don’t have any children myself, I work with little kids and teenagers, so I can totally relate to some of the funny moments you have with your little ones. Too cute! xx

Thanks for following “Heels to Kicks” and best of luck on your journey south! It’s a definite change of pace but filled with its own charms as well. I’ve enjoyed looking through your stories and adventures!

Thanks you for following my blog. Your migration story is very different from mine, well not technically mine. Both of my parents were born up north, my dad in Illinois who moved in elementary school and my mom who moved down south from NY her sophomore year. I’ve grown up in the south all of my life, but I do not have the accent and I’m not a huge fan of camo. I’m a mix of both cultures; occasionally I’ll say “y’all” and I like sweet tea, but I refuse to go hunting and I hate bluegrass. Just thought I’d share some of my story with you. Anyways, if you got through my insanely long introduction, thank you again for stopping by.

Hi Vicky! I too am a Native New Yorker and moved to the Coast 12 years ago ..the West Coast though:) I love New York, but I LOVE the beach more.

I am one of five and it’s the best thing. And while I don’t have kids (yet), I create recipes as if I did (easy, healthy and with few ingredients!) I hope you enjoy my blog (JessicaSpiroRD.com)- thank you for following!- and I’m looking forward to reading yours! 🙂

OMG first, thanks for stopping by my photo blog and following me – I’m cracking up at yours and it’s so weird because I said I could write a blog about living in the south – I”m originally a NY girl too – living in SC but going to NJ soon. You’re right hibernation sucks eggs so I doubt I’ll be there forever – but I’ll take your blog with me wherever I go – love it! Thanks

I love Saratoga Springs! We had loads of art-shows there. Love Lake George and my kids love the Great Escape. But we also Love Tampa’s Bush Gardens. Lived in Clearwater for a while. Love the beach. So glad to meet you!

I’m a single Mum and I moved my children from a London borough high rise council flat to the sunny South coast and I wouldn’t have it any other way for my children – they’re worth it – they deserve a slower, healthier pace of life ❤

Hello Vicky! Thanks so much for visiting me at ‘A View From My Summerhouse’ and for the follow, really appreciate it! Hope you enjoy what you read there. I love your blog! Looks like we have a few things in common what with kids, moving and uprooting as a single mum from one way of life to another, in my case from America back to the UK! I’m looking forward to reading more of your adventures 🙂

Hi! Thanks for stopping by my blog, and for deciding to follow it. I appreciate the vote of confidence, and I hope you will continue enjoying my posts. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog, too. It is funny and filled with wonderfulness. I’m looking forward to reading more of your adventures!

Hi Vicky, thanks for checking out my blog and deciding to follow. I’ve really enjoyed checking out your thoughts here. It’s nice to meet someone else whose learning to love and celebrate the process of saying goodbye and saying hello to a new place. Blessings to you and your brood! – Margaret of “Daily Musings on Life Together”

Wow I wish I had the courage to to the same. I think about moving and starting over a lot, but probably wont until my children are grown up. It is scary and exciting too. I also love autumn, apple picking, and we hibernate in the winter too. I want to be somewhere tropical. I look forward to reading about your journey, and I wish you the best. Maybe someday I’ll have the courage to do the same.